Author Topic: New KTM makes New Vee look very ugly! (Read 16348 times)

stevee_p · « **on:** November 06, 2012, 09:31:39 »

In the new issue of Ride there is a news page with 3 bikes that 'tickle my pickle' and I'd be pleased to own any of them in the future...
BMW R1200GS
KTM adventure 1200
New Vstrom 1000

But looking at all 3, the new Vee (which incidentally I originally thought looked good) looks really ugly compared to the KTM especially. This is obviously just my opinion, which is generally regarded as worthless but on looks alone I'd have the KTM all day long. But then again, I wouldn't be on this forum if I wanted a pretty bike.

I guess all I'm saying is Suzuki shifted loads of vstroms despite them being ugly. If they made them prettier imagine how many others they could sell.

Abercol · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2012, 10:47:01 »

I don't think it'll be the ugliness holding it back, more like the spec/power. However, at the right price (ie CHEAP) it will shift - much like the Versys which is its real competition.

Having followed a Versys 1000 over several hundred miles of Scottish Highlands I can tell you that the Vee cannot keep up with it on the straights or the corners & the Versys rider used to struggle to keep up with me on his GS1200. He wasn't even trying very hard.

I'd buy a Versys, but the seat is ridiculously high for a short legged gorilla like me. The stock Vee I could manage no bother, the Versys I could not touch the ground, not even on tiptoe. I know you can lower it, but even 25mm will only bring it down to somewhere still worse than the Vee.

Sjyp · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2012, 12:10:16 »

I'm just reading Bikes special issue this month covering the new KTM Adventure and I agree it's a looker and probably also a stunning bike. I consider the next gen Vee to be more in the touring cat though and not a bike competing with KTM or Multistrada.

Juvecu · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2012, 14:41:18 »

I have to agree with Abercol, Suzuki aren't trying to make the next GS/KTM beater. They are sticking it against the Versys 1000. No point in trying to make a bike that fits in where the market is already saturated, aim it where it's needed: the cheap-1000-sit-upright-with-usuable-power-road-bike genre

Jacko · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2012, 18:32:49 »

The old TL engine needs revising though, it's the only thing that puts me off considering the new 1000 Vstrom.. I want a new engine if I'm spending new bike money, like the Glad engined Glee with it's top end tweak for more midrange, new enough.. If it'd had the 2003 SV650 engine in it with no updates, mechanically or fuelling I'd not have bought one..

greywolf · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2012, 19:18:20 »

I'm sure the new Vee engine will be redesigned. It would have to be in order to meet emissions specs.

Jacko · « **Reply #6 on:** November 06, 2012, 22:47:35 »

Yeah, good point, emissions. I'll have a test ride for sure, but it doesn't look as good as the Glee in the pics, hopefully it'll look better in the metal..

Fatbelly · « **Reply #7 on:** November 06, 2012, 23:43:16 »

An adventure type bike should not look pretty. It's wrong.

Strombone · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2012, 07:32:52 »

I agree. That new Vee looks unattractive next to that KTM which looks much more pleasing on the eye. I expect that the final version for the Vee will be an improvement, but the KTM has my vote at the moment.

stevee_p · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2012, 08:25:07 »

I'm not saying the bikes are competition for each other, well at least not the Vee against the other two.

My point was why don't Suzuki try a bit harder in the looks department!

Fatbelly · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2012, 09:29:22 »

Is this the picture? It looks like the tank and lights and screen from an adult bike have been stuck on a kiddie bike. It's all out of proportion, like a cartoon. Maybe I've go the wrong picture???

Gassoon · « **Reply #11 on:** November 07, 2012, 09:46:08 »

I think it is that one, looks better, more proportional from the side I think; but the price still looks the same, unfortunately (for me!)

http://www.adventurebikerider.com/compo ... 6-amy.html

Strombone · « **Reply #12 on:** November 07, 2012, 20:06:42 »

The picture in RiDe looks much better.

2112 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2012, 07:06:42 »

I think both versions of the KTM look 'the dogs'. If only they were shaft drive... The new GS looks a bit odd in places, the front mudguard/beak looks like it's been chewed by a large dog and the radiator covers look like an afterthought. The Multistrada looks fantastic but they're built for dwarfs, way too compact for me. Try one if you get a chance and see if you think the handlebars need to be about a foot further away ?

Abercol · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2012, 12:17:28 »

I like the KTM, would consider it along with an Explorer or maybe the new Caponord.

Having said that, I'm currently looking at GTR's and FJR's.....

I'm sorely tempted to get a high mile (in UK that meansd over 40k) FJR, it'll be cheap as chips, but still good for many years and then I might be able to keep the Vee or swap out to a Wee...best of both, light slim bike for commuting/short trips and the FJR for everything else.

ilkleyal · « **Reply #15 on:** November 13, 2012, 15:28:06 »

Its all in the eye of the beholder, I don't have a vee or a wee but I like the look of them. I don't have a Katie either but that one does look like a child has drawn it.

If its got 2 wheels then I like it.
Al.

IanP · « **Reply #16 on:** November 13, 2012, 18:54:20 »

Sat on a Honda Crosstourer today , OK I couldn't touch the ground very well , but a nice looking bike.

Juvecu · « **Reply #17 on:** November 13, 2012, 20:00:20 »

That front mudguard is very short at the back

2112 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 16, 2012, 16:34:59 »

Quote from: "Juvecu"

That front mudguard is very short at the back

I bet Honda has a £160 option of a mudguard protection area enhancement device !

Or £16 off ebay....

jabmotorsport · « **Reply #19 on:** November 18, 2012, 12:03:45 »

I like the look of the crosstourer .. and love the stelvio .. who wants to have a guess at what the insurance would be for an 18 year old on either of them! Hahaha